Eye to Eye With a Pygmy Seahorse

A master of disguise, the pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) grows to only 2cm in length and matches the gorgonian coral that it lives on. The pygmy seahorse is so successful at hiding that it was not found until its home was being studied in a lab. So little is known about this mysterious creature that the major threats to it are unknown. However a possible threat is removing the pygmy seahorse from its habitat for aquarium use. Due to this, countries like Australia are being cautious and requiring export permits to protect this shy creature.